Estimating the Value of Water to the U.S. Economy

Environmental Economics Advisory Committee Augmented for the Consideration of the Value of Water to the U.S. EconomyA list of members can be found in the final report included in the Advisory Activity linked to this panel or committee.

EPA’s Office of Water requested SAB provide a consultation on the data, information, and analytical methodology to evaluate the value of water to the U.S. economy and provide a resource for future decision-making. EPA plans to develop a report on the importance of clean water to the U.S. economy. The Agency is seeking advice and comment on topics such as how the availability clean water may affect patterns of economic development, advantages clean water may provide to different sectors of the economy (i.e., tourism, farming and food production, fishing, manufacturing, infrastructure, housing and energy), and what data are available or needed to support strategic choices. EPA anticipates this effort, when combined with EPA research on the value of water in the United States from nonmarket values (e.g., nonuse values, recreation, etc.), will integrate market and nonmarket economic value information that is critical to support decision-making at multiple scales (e.g., EPA, state, regional, watershed, or local).